Damage from the sun is the most preventable factor in the development of skin cancers. Though sun protection is best started at birth, it is never too late to protect yourself from the sun. The best way to protect yourself from the sun is to stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 am-4 pm), wear wide brim hats and tightly woven clothing when you are in the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while in the sun. Even sunscreens that are marketed as all-day sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB light that the sun’s rays deliver. Even though you are not being visibly burnt in the sun, your skin can still be undergoing damage.
The next most important factor in skin cancers is early detection. Most skin cancers are very treatable when detected early. You should perform regular skin checks and always pay attention to your skin. If you have any lesions that appear rapidly on your skin or moles that are growing or changing rapidly, see your dermatologist.
